Rotatable fishing rod holder

ABSTRACT

A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including a rod holding tube with an annular flange extending radially from an upper end thereof, and an annular cover member to attach relative to a surface over the annular flange to hold the rod holding tube to the surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative thereto.

This application is the U.S. National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/AU2016/051222, filed Dec. 12, 2016, which designates the U.S.,published in English, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119 or365(c) to Australian Patent Application No. 2015905198, filed Dec. 15,2015. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of fishingapparatus and particularly to a rotatable flush mounted fishing rodholder for installation into the gunwale of a boat or watercraft.

BACKGROUND ART

Known fishing rod holders for installation into the gunwale of a boat orwatercraft are installed in a fixed non-adjustable position. They aregenerally canted or inclined rearwardly relative to the normal directionof travel.

Known fishing rod holders suffer from a large number of problems. Asthey are non adjustable, they hold the rods fixed in one position. Therods generally need to be removed for rig adjustment or re rigging aswell as to boat a catch. When trolling rods are set in one positionwhich can result in entanglement. Also, when travelling, the rodsprotrude laterally outside the craft which can result in damage to rodsand/or the craft

Still further, when fishing and a fish strikes, the rod can be in acompromised position when under load which can result in damage to rodand loss of catch.

Yet further, fasteners on top of the gunnel are more exposed to theelements resulting in corrosion.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication isreferred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission thatthe publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art inAustralia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a rotatable flush mounted fishingrod holder, which may at least partially overcome at least one of theabovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful orcommercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, residesbroadly in a rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including

-   -   a) a rod holding tube with an annular flange extending radially        from an upper end thereof,    -   b) an annular member for abutting of an underside of the annular        flange and    -   c) an annular cover member to attach relative to a surface over        the annular flange to hold the rod holding tube to the surface        but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative thereto.

In another broader form, the present invention resides in a rotatableflush mounted fishing rod holder including a rod holding tube with anannular flange extending radially from an upper end thereof, and anannular cover member to attach relative to a surface over the annularflange to hold the rod holding tube to the surface but allow rotation ofthe rod holding tube relative thereto.

In another form, the present invention resides in a rotatable flushmounted fishing rod holder including

-   -   a) a rod holding tube with an annular flange extending radially        from an upper end thereof,    -   b) an annular member for engaging with the rod holding tube to        attach relative to a surface to hold the rod holding tube to the        surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative        thereto.

The rod holding tube of the present invention will preferably include abore, normally centrally located through the tube. The bore may be ofany internal cross-sectional shape but will normally be substantiallycircular.

The rod holding tube of the present invention is preferably elongate.The length of the elongate rod holding tube may vary in order tosecurely receive rods of different lengths although the length of theelongate rod holding tube will typically vary according to the internaland/or external dimension of the rod holding tube.

The rod holding tube will preferably be generally circular incross-sectional shape although other shapes may be used.

A radially extending flange is preferably provided at an upper end ofthe rod holding tube. According to a particularly preferred embodiment,the radially extending flange will typically be stepped having an outer,a lower annular portion and an inner, higher annular portion.

The rod holding tube will preferably be provided with a shaped inlet oropening at an upper end thereof, through the radially extending flange.The inlet will normally be provided with a tapered portion. According tothe most preferred embodiment, a portion of the bore will preferably beprovided tangentially to one side of the tapered opening and a taperedwall will normally be provided about the remainder of the upper end ofthe bore.

The rod holding tube is preferably unitary in construction. Typically,the rod holding tube will be provided in one of a number ofpredetermined sizes to accept different diameter round butts.

The lower end of the rod holding tube can be closed or open. It isparticularly preferred that a laterally extending pin or similar may beprovided across the lower end of the rod holding tube in order to stopthe rod extending past the lateral pin. The laterally extending pin orsimilar will also typically function as a gimbal engagement for thelower end of a rod.

The rod holding tube may be manufactured of any material or combinationof materials and although metal could be used, a plastic material ispreferred. Normally, if provided, the laterally extending pin or similarwill be manufactured from metal.

The radially extending flange will normally be provided at an angle tothe longitudinal axis of the rod holding tube itself. The angle of theradially extending flange relative to the longitudinal axis of the rodholding tube will normally define the rest angle of the rod.

Generally, the rod holding tube angle has varying degrees of inclinationrelative to the gunwale such as substantially 90 degrees, butinclinations of 75 degrees and 60 degrees will be more preferred.

The present invention also includes a cover member. The cover memberwill preferably be generally circular although other shapes could beused. The cover member will preferably be provided with a centralopening there through. The central opening will preferably bedimensioned to receive the inner, higher stepped portion of the radiallyextending flange of the rod holding tube closely within, normally inabutment and an upper surface of the higher stepped portion of theradially extending flange will preferably be flush with an upperextremity of the cover member.

The cover member will preferably be provided with an arcuate top surfaceand a depending, circumferentially extending skirt. Normally, the skirtwill define a step within the cover member to correspond with the stepshape of the radially extending flange of the rod holding tube.

Preferably, one or more receiving openings or assemblies are providedabout the skirt in order to receive fasteners to attach the cover memberto the gunwale. Normally, the receiving openings or assemblies areprovided relative to an underside of the skirt. It is particularlypreferred that the receiving openings or assemblies extend into but notthrough the cover member although in some configurations, the openingsmay extend through the cover member in order to receive fasteners fromabove the cover member.

According to a most preferred embodiment, the inner step of the covermember will abut the lower, outer step of the radially extending flangeprovided on the rod holding tube. In this way, the radially extendingflange of the rod holding tube will be sandwiched between the surfacerelative to which the rod holder is attached and the cover member.Normally, the friction between the surface will act to allow rotationbut minimise movement of the rod holding tube.

The cover member may be metal or plastic and will typically be unitary.

In some embodiments, the present invention will include a frictionmember located between the surface relative to which the rod holder isattached and an underside of the radially extending flange. Preferably,the friction member will be a substantially planar, annular disc. Anopening will normally be provided through the friction member in orderto receive the rod holding tube.

An upper surface of the friction member will normally abut a lowersurface of the radially extending flange on the rod holding tube and alower surface of the friction member will normally abut an upper surfaceof the gunwale. In this way, the friction member will typically besandwiched between the surface and the radially extending flange of therod holding tube.

The friction member may be provided in a low friction or high frictionconfiguration. Further, one surface of the friction member may be lowfriction on the opposite surface may be high friction. This willpreferably allow movement in particular configurations and/orprevent/minimise movement in other configurations.

One or more openings will normally be provided through the frictionmember in order to allow the preferred fasteners to pass through thefriction member. The friction member will typically be similarly sizedto the external diameter of the skirt of the radially extending flange.

Fasteners may be installed from the lower side upwardly into or throughthe cover member or alternatively, the fasteners may extend downwardlythrough the cover members although this is less preferred as it leavesthe fasteners exposed. The fasteners will typically have the form ofelongate, threaded members such as screws or bolts but other fasteningassemblies may be used.

The assembly may further include a second member preferably a disc ofsimilar shape and dimensions to the friction member for reinforcing orstabilising the assembly. This second member will preferably be providedto strengthen the assembly. Normally, the second member is located underthe panel/gunwale of the water craft. Preferably, the fasteners willextend through the second member, through the panel/gunwale of the watercraft, through the friction member and into the underside of the covermember.

The cover member and/or rod holding tube may be constructed out ofvarious plastics, alloys and stainless steels, as well as timbers,fibreglass, Kevlar, carbon fibre or any other materials of reasonablemanufacturing strength. Preferably, this invention will be made ofanodised aluminium or powder-coated aluminium of varying colours andpatterned or polished designs where exposed, particularly the covermember.

The rod holding tube will preferably be made of ABS plastic materials orsimilar, but other materials could be used.

The friction member will preferably be made of a softer wearing typematerial such as nylon, but not excluding other types of wearingmaterials, including rubbers or soft metals or the materials used forthe cover member and/or rod holding tube. The second disc is preferablya reinforcing/stabilizing disc and of a similar nature to the frictionmember but can be made of any of the aforementioned materials.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cover may be provided with abevelled or rolled inner edge which allows the cover to mate with or beflush with an arcuate portion of the bore at the upper end of the rodholding tube, rather than receiving a portion or step of the radiallyextending flange of the rod holding tube at an upper end in order to beflush with that portion. The difference is largely one of aesthetics buta rolled or bevelled edge provided on the inner edge of the cover mayreduce damage to the rod holding tube, particularly if the cover is madeof a material such as metal and the rod holding tube is made of plasticfor example. In this embodiment, the underside of the cover willnormally have a stepped profile in order to match the stepped profile ofthe radially extending flange of the rod holding tube so as to allowrotation of the rod holding tube relative to the cover.

According to an alternative embodiment, the cover may attach to anannular member in order to cover fasteners. For example, an annularmember may be provided above the radially extending flange of the rodholding tube and be attached to or mounted to a second member below thesurface relative to which the apparatus is mounted. In practice, theattachment or mounting can be achieved using one or more fastenersextending into or through both the annular member and the second member.If the fasteners are installed through the annular member on top of thesurface, then it is preferred that a cover is provided in order to coverthe annular member and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to theflush mounted rod holder and cover the fasteners. Where provided in thisform, it is preferred that an underside of the annular member ispreferably stepped to correspond to the shape of the radially extendingflange provided on the rod holding tube. The cover can engage with theannular member in any way such as by snap fitting over the annularmember but preferably, an external thread is provided on the annularmember and a corresponding thread is provided on a lower portion of theinside of the cover to allow the cover to be threaded onto the annularmember. This particular embodiment may be advantageous in that thefasteners can be inserted from above the level of the surface ratherthan below and the cover can simply be removed in order to adjust theforce required to rotate the rod holding tube and then replaced Wendyadjustment is complete. This may provide a more easily accessible andadjustable assembly.

According to aspects of the present invention, different thicknessfriction/tension members may be provided and/or one or more additionalannular members of different thicknesses may be provided in order toadjust the clamping force exerted on the rod holding tube in order toadjust the ease of rotation of the rod holding tube. The members may beprovided with openings either into or through depending upon theconfiguration of fasteners used and depending upon the requiredattachment between the members.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, a rod holdingtube with a radially extending flange and with a shaped upper surfacecan be provided in order that only a single component of the flushmounted rotatable rod holder is provided above the surface. In this way,the rod holding tube is inserted through the mounting opening in thesurface until the underside of the radially extending flange abuts anupper side of the surface and the shaped upper surface will provide theflush mounting with the surface and lead to the bore of the rod holdingtube. In this embodiment, an annular member which is engageable with therod holding tube and preferably, with the radially extending flange ofthe rod holding tube is provided on an underside of the surface in orderto sandwich the surface between the underside of the radially extendingflange and the annular member. In this embodiment, the radiallyextending flange of the rod holding tube is preferably provided withpart of a bayonet engagement fitting and the annular member ispreferably provided with an upstanding neck surrounding the opening ofthe annular member and provided with a corresponding portion of thebayonet engagement fitting such that the rod holding tube is insertedthrough the mounting opening in the surface and the annular member islocated thereabouts from below with the upstanding neck extendingthrough the mounting opening whereby the upstanding neck and moreparticularly the corresponding portion of the bayonet engagement fittingcan engage with the part of the bayonet engagement fittings provided onthe rod holding tube in order to attach the components together. In thispreferred embodiment, two components are provided with the componentsutilising a bayonet engagement fitting to engage with one anotherwhereby the two can be rotated relative to one another to lock andunlock the components from one another. Either the radially extendingflange and/or the annular member may be provided with one or more angledor inclined walls or portions such that the action of relative rotationof the two components will act to draw the two components toward oneanother and twisting to unlock the components, forces the two componentsto move apart.

In this embodiment, the bayonet engagement portion normally includes aone or more tongues extending radially away from the near received incorresponding openings in an underside of the radially extending flangewith an enlarged wall portions separating the openings in the radiallyextending flange such that the tongues can be inserted into the openingswhen aligned and to the components can be locked together when the 2components are rotated relative to one another such that the tongues areout of alignment with the openings.

The engagement can be provided with a single, radial tongue.

Other mechanisms such as a ratchet mechanism may be provided in order toallow a user to tighten to a degree and have the components lockedrelative to one another against normal use but not determined rotationin the opposite direction. Alternatively, one or more fasteners may beprovided between the components in order to apply a compression forceallowing adjustment of the ease of rotation of the rod holding tube.

In an alternative embodiment, the underside of the radially extendingflange may include a track in order to receive one or more planar platemembers associated with a threaded fastener. Typically, more than oneplanar plate and fastener assembly are provided spaced around theradially extending flange. The fastener is typically received through anannular member provided on the underside of the surface relative towhich the rod holder is mounted and then into the plate. This willtypically allow a user to not only attach the annular member to theradially extending flange but also adjust the compression force appliedin order to adjust the amount of force required to rotate the rod holderin situ.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a tensioning element may beprovided. The tensioning element according to a preferred embodiment isan annulus which can be rotated in order to adjust the force required torotate the rod holding tube. In particular, the preferred annulus isprovided with at least one, and normally a number of slot openings inorder to receive fasteners there through but still allow rotation of thetensioning element relative to the fasteners and one or more angledsurfaces on the upper and/or lower side of the element, adjacent each ofthe slot openings such that a portion of the fastener received throughthe slot opening rides on the one or more angled surfaces. Typically,the head of the fastener will abut the one or more angled surfaces suchthat rotation of the tensioning element in a first direction will resultin the head riding on the inclined surface to force the fasteners awayfrom the component that the fasteners are attached to, normally acomponent above the surface, which in turn draws that component closerto the surface and increases the force required to rotate the rodholder, and rotation in the opposite direction results in the heads ofthe fasteners riding on the inclined surfaces to allow the componentthat the fasteners are attached to, normally the component above thesurface, which in turn allows that component to be loosened relative tothe surface, decreasing the force required to rotate the rod holder.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an inner and an outerinclined surface is provided relative to each slot and normally thereare a number of slots, one for each of the fasteners.

This flush mount rotatable rod holder also has the scope to be mountedin association with a motorised electric drive system for poweredrotation of the rod holder to any position, potentially by a remotecontrol device. It is preferred that an electric motor is provided withan output member shaped to engage with the rod holding tube, andpreferably a portion of the radially extending flange of the rod holdingtube. Preferably, the output member is substantially T-shaped whenviewed from the side with a preferably circular upper portion and anelongate arm extending substantially centrally from the preferredcircular upper portion. The circular upper portion can be provided withan engagement mechanism in order to engage with a portion of theradially extending flange of the rod holding tube. According to a mostpreferred embodiment, an edge of the preferred circular upper portion ofthe output member abuts or engages a portion of the radially extendingflange, preferably an outer side edge of the radially extending flange.Preferably, the edge of the preferred circular upper portion of theoutput member and/or the outer side edge of the radially extendingflange may have engagement portions provided thereon. In one form, theengagement portions may include one or more teeth but it is anticipatedthat the engagement between the edge of the preferred circular upperportion of the output member and the outer side edge of the radiallyextending flange may be friction only. An increased friction portion maybe provided on the edge of the preferred circular upper portion of theoutput member and/or the outer side edge of the radially extendingflange.

Preferably, the edge of the preferred circular upper portion of theoutput member will also abut a portion of the cover member and indeed,an annular track may be provided or defined between an outer edge of theradially extending flange of the rod holder and an inner surface of thecover whether these components are provided as 2 separate components oras a single component.

Normally, the preferred electric motor is provided below the surfacerelative to which the rod holder is mounted and the elongate arm extendsupwardly through any flanges or annular member is provided to locate theupper portion of the output member adjacent to the radially extendingflange of the rod holding tube. In use, the elongate arm may extendthrough and be guided by one or more openings provided in the componentsof the rod holder.

A device may be provided for insertion into the rod holding tube toengage with or lock the gimbal pin and then rotated.

A capped top which acts as a water proof sealing device may be providedfor closing the bore when a rod is not in position.

Any one of a variety of mechanisms may be used to at least temporarilylock the rotatable mounted fishing rod holder of the present inventionin position or orientation.

In one preferred embodiment, an annular gasket may be provided relativeto a gunwale with an annular baseplate located above the gasket. Agenerally annular flange preferably extends transversely from the rodholding tube. One or more low friction annular guide members may beprovided between the generally annular flange and the annular baseplate.One or more low friction annular guide members may also be providedbetween the generally annular flange and an upper cover plate. The coverplate preferably has an opening substantially centrally located in thecover plate in order to communicate with the rod holding tube. In thispreferred embodiment, the generally annular flange will preferably havea shaped locking detail provided on at least one surface, and preferablya circumferential surface of the annular flange. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the locking detail is preferably a scallopedsurface having alternating peaks and valleys extending about thecircumferential edge of the annular flange. A locking lever is typicallyprovided in association with the cover plate and which is movablebetween a locked condition, in which a portion of the locking leverand/or a member associated with the locking lever and moved by thelocking lever, will engage with the locking detail on the annular flangeand an unlocked condition, in which a portion of the locking leverand/or a member associated with the locking lever and moved by thelocking lever, will be free from the locking detail. The locking leverwill typically be moved manually by an operator in order to release thefishing rod holder for rotation or to lock the position and/orientationof the fishing rod holder as required. Typically, the locking lever willbe biased into the locked condition but there may be situations wherethe locking lever is moved to the unlocked condition and temporarilymaintained in that position through a latching mechanism in order toallow the locking lever to be held in the unlocked condition allowingthe fishing rod holder to freely rotate until locked by a user byreleasing the latching mechanism, and engaging the lever.

In an alternative configuration, the construction of the fishing rodholder may be similar to that described above but instead of the lockingdetail provided on the annular flange having the above-described form,the locking detail may include one or more locking openings extendinginto the annular flange typically substantially vertically. In thisconfiguration, a button or similar arrangement may be provided.Preferably, the button will be biased into the locked condition in whicha portion of the button or a shaped protrusion associated therewith willengage with the one or more locking openings in order to temporarilylock the fishing rod holder against rotation. The button will typicallybe mounted for pivotal movement and preferably, the button can bedepressed on one edge in order to raise the opposite edge with theshaped protrusion being located on an underside of the button such thatdepressing one edge of the button also withdraws the shaped protrusionfrom the one or more locking openings allowing the rod holder to rotate.In this configuration, the annular flange may have one or more lockingopenings extending into the body of the flange substantially verticallyor alternatively, the one or more locking openings may be provided asone or more scalloped surfaces having alternating peaks and valleysextending about the at least a portion of the circumferential edge ofthe annular flange.

In a further alternative configuration, the annular flange may beprovided with one or more locking openings and the cover plate may bethreadingly attached relative to the baseplate in order to change theseparation distance between an underside of the cover plate and theannular flange. In this particular configuration an annular guide ispreferably provided above the annular flange with at least one, andtypically a number of locking pins mounted relative thereto. Each of thelocking pins will typically be biased into an unlocked condition inwhich the locking pins are free from the at least one opening in theannular flange but when the cover plate is screwed down towards theannular flange, at least a portion of at least one of the locking pinsis preferably forced into engagement with at least one of the openingsin the annular flange in order to prevent rotation of the annular flangeand thereby prevent rotation of the rod holding tube. The cover platemay be provided with one or more enlarged portions in order to allow auser to more easily grip the cover plate to lock and unlock the coverplate through rotation which will change the separation distance betweenthe underside of the cover plate and the annular flange to either forcethe locking pins into the locked condition or to allow the pins to beinjected from the at least one opening in the annular flange in theunlocked condition.

In yet a further embodiment, the cover plate may be threadingly attachedrelative to the baseplate in order to change the separation distancebetween an underside of the cover plate and the annular flange and aspring steel locking plate may be provided between the cover plate andthe annular flange. In this embodiment, the spring steel locking platemay engage directly with the annular flange through friction oralternatively, one or more protrusions may be provided on an undersideof the locking plate such that when the locking plate is forced onto theannular flange by tightening the cover plate relative to the annularflange, the one or more protrusions may be forced into one or morelocking openings or detents provided on a surface of the annular flange.

In configurations where the cover plate is threadingly attached relativeto the baseplate in order to change the separation distance between anunderside of the cover plate and the annular flange, normally an atleast partially threaded upstand is provided relative to the baseplate,potentially integrated with the baseplate and a correspondingly at leastpartially threaded portion is provided on an underside of the coverplate such that the separation between the cover plate on the annularflange can be changed by tightening or loosening the cover platerelative to the baseplate.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combinationwith any one or more of the other features described herein within thescope of the invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may bediscerned from the following Detailed Description which providessufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform theinvention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limitingthe scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. TheDetailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a rotatable flush mounted fishing rodholder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the front.

FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of the rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the rear.

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of the rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the side.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a partially assembled fishing rod holderwith the cover member removed.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the rotatable flush mounted fishing rodholder illustrated in FIG. 1 from the side.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 in theassembled configuration.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view from above of a cover member according to apreferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view from below of the cover member illustratedin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an isometric front elevation view of the rod holding tubeaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the rod holding tube illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the rod holding tube illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the rod holding tube illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a rotatable flush mounted fishing rodholder according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an alternative second memberconfiguration.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another alternative second memberconfiguration.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a further alternative second memberconfiguration.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of still another alternative second memberconfiguration.

FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric front view of another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view from the rear of yet another alternativepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view from the front of still another alternativepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an isometric front view of a second member according to onepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a sectional isometric view of a flush mounted fishing rodholder without the rod holding tube according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a detailed view of one end of the configuration illustratedin FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a more detailed view of the engagement mechanism illustratedin FIG. 26 in the disengaged condition.

FIG. 28 shows the configuration illustrated in FIG. 27 but in theengaged condition.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view from below of a tensioning device accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an isometric view from above of the tensioning deviceillustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a further isometric view from below of the tensioning deviceillustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of a flush mounted rotating fishing rodholder with motor and drive system according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a partially transparent view from above of the configurationillustrated in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is an exploded isometric view of a further possibleconfiguration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder according toa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 35along line A-A.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 35 withthe cover plate removed in the locked condition.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 37 in theunlocked condition.

FIG. 39 is an exploded isometric view of a further possibleconfiguration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder according toa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 39along line B-B in the unlocked condition.

FIG. 41 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 39along line B-B in the locked condition.

FIG. 42 is an exploded isometric view of a further possibleconfiguration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder according toa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 42 withthe cover plate removed.

FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 42along line C-C in the locked condition.

FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 42along line C-C in the unlocked condition.

FIG. 46 is an isometric view from above of a further possibleconfiguration of flush mounted rotating fishing rod holder according toa preferred embodiment.

FIG. 47 is an isometric view from below of the rod holder illustrated inFIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is an exploded isometric view of the configuration illustratedin FIG. 46

FIG. 49 is an exploded isometric view of the configuration illustratedin FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is a front elevation view of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 46.

FIG. 51 is a right side elevation view of the configuration illustratedin FIG. 46.

FIG. 52 is a left side elevation view of the configuration illustratedin FIG. 46.

FIG. 53 is a plan view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 46.

FIG. 54 is a bottom view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 46.

FIG. 55 is a front elevation view of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 46 attached to a gunwale and in the locked condition.

FIG. 56 is a sectional side view of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 55 along line D-D.

FIG. 57 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 56 andidentified as “E”.

FIG. 58 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 56 andidentified as “F”.

FIG. 59 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 46with the cover plate removed.

FIG. 60 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 59 andidentified as “G”.

FIG. 61 is a sectional view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 60 alongline H-H.

FIG. 62 is a front elevation view of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 46 attached to a gunwale and in the unlocked condition.

FIG. 63 is a sectional side view of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 55 along line I-I.

FIG. 64 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 63 andidentified as “J”.

FIG. 65 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 63 andidentified as “K”.

FIG. 66 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 63with the cover plate removed.

FIG. 67 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 66 andidentified as “L”.

FIG. 68 is a sectional view of the portion illustrated in FIG. 67 alongline M-M.

FIG. 69 is an isometric view of a flush mounted rotatable fishing rodholder according to an embodiment of the fishing rod installed.

FIG. 70 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 69but with the fishing rod rotated 90° to the left.

FIG. 71 is an exploded isometric view of a further preferred embodimentof flush mounted rotatable fishing rod holder according to an embodimentof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, rotatable fishing rod holder 10 for installation into thegunwale 11 of a boat or watercraft is provided.

In the preferred form illustrated, the rotatable flush mounted fishingrod holder 10 includes a rod holding tube 12 with an annular flange 13extending radially from an upper end of the rod holding tube 12, anannular friction member 14 for abutting of an underside of the annularflange 13 and an annular cover member 15 to attach relative to thegunwale 11 over the annular flange 13 to hold the rod holding tube 12 tothe gunwale 11 but allow rotation of the rod holding tube 12 relativethereto.

The rod holding tube 12 includes a bore 16, normally centrally locatedthrough the tube 12. The bore may be of any internal cross-sectionalshape but will normally be substantially circular as illustrated.

The rod holding tube 12 is elongate with the length varying in order tosecurely receive rods of different lengths although the length of theelongate rod holding tube 12 will typically vary according to theinternal and/or external dimension of the rod holding tube.

The rod holding tube 12 of the illustrated embodiment is generallycircular in cross-sectional shape although other shapes may be used.

A radially extending flange 13 is provided at an upper end of the rodholding tube 12. According to the particularly preferred embodimentillustrated (best seen in FIGS. 10 to 13), the radially extending flange13 is stepped having an outer, a lower annular portion 17 and an inner,higher annular portion 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 best, the rod holding tube 12 isprovided with a shaped inlet or opening at an upper end thereof, throughthe radially extending flange 13. According to the most preferredembodiment, a portion of the bore 16 provided tangentially to one sideof the upper end of the bore and a tapered wall 19 is provided about theremainder of the upper end of the bore 16.

The rod holding tube 12 is preferably unitary in construction.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 in particular, the radially extending flange13 will normally be provided at an angle to the longitudinal axis of therod holding tube 12. The angle of the radially extending flange 13relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod holding tube 12 willnormally define the rest angle of the rod.

Generally, the rod holding tube angle has varying degrees of inclinationrelative to the gunwale 11 such as substantially 90 degrees, butinclinations of 75 degrees and 60 degrees will be more preferred.

The present invention also includes a cover member 15, one preferredembodiment of which is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The cover member 15will preferably be generally circular although other shapes could beused. The cover member 15 will preferably be provided with a centralopening 20 therethrough. The central opening is defined by a periphery21 dimensioned to receive the inner, higher stepped portion 18 of theradially extending flange 13 of the rod holding tube 12 closely within,normally in abutment and an upper surface of the higher stepped portion18 of the radially extending flange 13 will preferably be flush with anupper extremity of the cover member 15 when properly assembled.

The cover member 15 of the illustrated embodiment is provided with anarcuate top surface 22 and a depending, circumferentially extendingskirt 23. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the skirt 23 defines a step withinthe cover member 15 to correspond with the step shape of the radiallyextending flange 13 of the rod holding tube 12.

According to a most preferred embodiment, a lower surface 24 of an innerstep of the cover member 15 abuts the lower, outer step 17 of theradially extending flange 13 provided on the rod holding tube 12 and aninner surface of a lower step will abut an outer circumferential surfaceof the lower, outer step 17 of the radially extending flange 13. In thisway, the radially extending flange 13 of the rod holding tube 12 issandwiched between the gunwale 11 relative to which the rod holder 10 isattached and the cover member 15. Normally, the friction between thegunwale 11 will act to allow rotation but minimise movement of the rodholding tube 12.

One or more, preferably three receiving assemblies 26 are provided aboutthe skirt 23 of the cover member 15 in order to receive fasteners (notillustrated) to attach the cover member 15 to the gunwale 11. Normally,the receiving assemblies 26 are provided relative to an underside of theskirt 23 as shown in FIG. 9. It is particularly preferred that thereceiving openings in the receiving assemblies 26 extend into but notthrough the cover member 15. The receiving assemblies illustrated are atleast partially received in complementary openings 27 provided in thegunwale to prevent rotation of the cover member 15 even if the rodholding tube 12 is rotated.

The cover member may be metal or plastic and will typically be unitary.

In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention includes a frictionmember 14 located between the gunwale 11 relative to which the rodholder 10 is attached and an underside of the radially extending flange13. Preferably, the friction member is a substantially planar, annulardisc. An opening will normally be provided through the friction member14 in order to receive the rod holding tube 12.

An upper surface of the friction member will normally abut a lowersurface of the radially extending flange on the rod holding tube and alower surface of the friction member will normally abut an upper surfaceof the gunwale. In this way, the friction member will typically besandwiched between the surface and the radially extending flange of therod holding tube.

The friction member may be provided in a low friction or high frictionconfiguration. Further, one surface of the friction member may be lowfriction on the opposite surface may be high friction. This willpreferably allow movement in particular configurations and/orprevent/minimise movement in other configurations.

One or more openings will normally be provided through the frictionmember in order to allow the preferred fasteners to pass through thefriction member. The friction member will typically be similarly sizedto the external diameter of the skirt of the radially extending flange13 as illustrated best in FIG. 7.

Fasteners may be installed from the lower side upwardly into or throughthe cover member or alternatively, the fasteners may extend downwardlythrough the cover members although this is less preferred as it leavesthe fasteners exposed. The fasteners will typically have the form ofelongate, threaded members such as screws or bolts but other fasteningassemblies may be used. The degree to which the preferably threadedfasteners are tightened will affect the ease of rotation of the rodholder with tighter fasteners resulting in a more difficult to rotateassembly and looser fasteners meaning the assembly is more easilyrotated but less likely to maintain the orientation once rotated.

The assembly may further include a second member 28 preferably a disc ofsimilar shape and dimensions to the friction member 14 for reinforcingor stabilising the assembly. This second member 28 will preferably beprovided to strengthen the assembly. Normally, the second member 28 islocated under the gunwale 11. Preferably, the fasteners will extendthrough the second member 28, through the gunwale 11, through thefriction member 14 and into the underside of the cover member 15.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the cover 15 may beprovided with a bevelled or rolled inner edge 30 which allows the cover15 to be flush with the tapered wall 19 leading to the bore 16 at theupper end of the rod holding tube 12, rather than receiving a portion orstep of the radially extending flange of the rod holding tube at anupper end in order to be flush with that portion as illustrated inFIG. 1. The difference is largely one of aesthetics but a rolled orbevelled edge 30 provided on the inner edge of the cover 15 may reducedamage to the bore 16, particularly if the cover 15 is made of amaterial such as metal and the rod holding tube 12 is made of plasticfor example. In this embodiment, the underside of the cover 15 willnormally have a stepped profile in order to match the stepped profile ofthe radially extending flange of the rod holding tube so as to allowrotation of the rod holding tube relative to the cover.

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20,the cover 15 may attach to an annular top member 31 in order to coverthe fasteners. As illustrated, the annular top member 31 is providedabove the radially extending flange 13 of the rod holding tube and beattached to or mounted to a second member 32 below the surface relativeto which the apparatus is mounted. In practice, the annular top member31 is attached through the surface to the second member 32 below thesurface using one or more fasteners extending into or through both theannular top member 31 and the second member 32. The cover 15 is providedin order to cover the annular top member 31 and provide an aestheticallypleasing finish to the flush mounted rod holder and cover the fasteners.Where provided in this form, it is preferred that the underside of theannular top member 31 is stepped to correspond to the shape of theradially extending flange 13 provided on the rod holding tube asillustrated best in FIG. 20. The cover 15 can engage with the annulartop member 31 in any way such as by snap fitting over the annular memberbut preferably, an external thread is provided on the annular top member31 and a corresponding thread is provided on a lower portion of theinside of the cover 15 to allow the cover to be threaded onto theannular top member 31. This particular embodiment may be advantageous inthat the fasteners can be inserted from above the level of the surfacerather than below and the cover 15 can simply be removed in order toadjust the force required to rotate the rod holding tube and thenreplaced when the adjustment is complete. This may provide a more easilyaccessible and adjustable assembly.

According to aspects of the present invention, different thicknessfriction/tension members may be provided and/or one or more additionalannular members of different thicknesses may be provided in order toadjust the clamping force exerted on the rod holding tube in order toadjust the ease of rotation of the rod holding tube. Examples areillustrated in FIGS. 15 to 18. The members may be provided with openingseither into the member, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 or through themember as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 depending upon theconfiguration of fasteners used and depending upon the requiredattachment between the members.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 21 and22, a one-piece rod holding tube 12 with a radially extending flange 13and with a shaped upper surface can be provided in order that only asingle component of the flush mounted rotatable rod holder is providedabove the surface. In this way, the rod holding tube 12 is insertedthrough the mounting opening in the surface until the underside of theradially extending flange 13 abuts an upper side of the surface and theshaped upper surface will provide the flush mounting with the surfaceand lead to the bore 16 of the rod holding tube 12. In this embodiment,an annular member 33 which is engageable with the radially extendingflange 13 of the rod holding tube is provided on an underside of thesurface in order to sandwich the surface between the underside of theradially extending flange 13 and the annular member 33.

In this embodiment, the radially extending flange 13 of the rod holdingtube is provided with a first part of a bayonet engagement fitting andthe annular member 33 is provided with an upstanding neck surroundingthe opening of the annular member with a corresponding portion of thebayonet engagement fitting such that the rod holding tube 12 is insertedthrough the mounting opening in the surface and the annular member 22 islocated thereabouts from below with the upstanding neck extendingthrough the mounting opening whereby the upstanding neck and thecorresponding portion of the bayonet engagement fitting can engage withthe part of the bayonet engagement fitting provided on the underside ofthe radially extending flange 13 in order to attach the componentstogether. In this preferred embodiment, two components are provided withthe components utilising a bayonet engagement fitting to engage with oneanother whereby the two can be rotated relative to one another to lockand unlock the components from one another.

In this embodiment, the bayonet engagement portion normally includes aone or more tongues 34 extending radially away from the neck received incorresponding openings 35 in an underside of the radially extendingflange with an enlarged wall portion separating the openings 35 in theradially extending flange such that the tongues 34 can be inserted intothe openings 35 when aligned and to the components can be lockedtogether when the two components are rotated relative to one anothersuch that the tongues 34 are out of alignment with the openings 35.

According to the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24,the engagement can be provided with a single, radial tongue 36.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 28, the underside of theone piece radially extending flange 13 can include a track 37 in orderto receive one or more planar plates 38 associated with a threadedfastener 39. The fastener is typically received through an annularmember 40 provided on the underside of the surface relative to which therod holder is mounted and then into the plate 38. This will typicallyallow a user to not only attach the annular member 40 to the radiallyextending flange 13 but also adjust the compression force applied inorder to adjust the amount of force required to rotate the rod holder insitu. The track 37 has an annular opening smaller in width than thetrack and into which an annular ridge on the annular member 40 isreceived.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 31, a tensioningelement 41 may be provided. The tensioning element 41 illustrated is anannulus which can be rotated in order to adjust the force required torotate the rod holding tube. In particular, the annulus is provided witha number of slot openings 42 in order to receive fasteners 43therethrough but still allow rotation of the tensioning element 41relative to the fasteners 43. According to the illustrated embodiment,an inner inclined surface 44 and an outer inclined surface 45 areprovided relative to each slot 42. Typically, the head 46 of thefastener 43 will abut the inclined surfaces 44, 45 such that rotation ofthe tensioning element 41 in a first direction will result in the head46 riding on the inclined surfaces 44, 45 to force the fasteners 43 awayfrom the component that the fasteners are attached to, normally acomponent above the surface, which in turn draws that component closerto the surface and increases the force required to rotate the rod holder(as it will normally be clamped between the component above the surfaceand the surface), and rotation in the opposite direction results in theheads 46 of the fasteners 43 riding on the inclined surfaces 44, 45 toallow the component that the fasteners 43 are attached to be loosenedrelative to the surface, decreasing the force required to rotate the rodholder.

The flush mount rotatable rod holder also has the scope to be mounted inassociation with a motorised electric drive system for powered rotationof the rod holder to any position, as illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 34,potentially by a remote control device. It is preferred that an electricmotor 47 is provided with an output member shaped to engage with the rodholding tube, and preferably a portion of the radially extending flange13 of the rod holding tube or cover 15. As shown in FIG. 32, the outputmember is substantially T-shaped when viewed from the side with acircular upper portion 48 and an elongate arm 49 extending substantiallycentrally from the circular upper portion 48.

According to a most preferred embodiment, an edge of the circular upperportion 48 of the output member abuts or engages an outer side edge ofthe radially extending flange of the rod holding tube. The edge of thecircular upper portion 48 of the output member and/or the outer sideedge of the radially extending flange may have engagement portionsprovided thereon. In one form, the engagement portions may include oneor more teeth but it is anticipated that the engagement between the edgeof the preferred circular upper portion of the output member and theouter side edge of the radially extending flange may be friction only.An increased friction portion may be provided on the edge of thepreferred circular upper portion of the output member and/or the outerside edge of the radially extending flange.

As seen in FIGS. 33 and 34 particularly, the circular upper portion 48of the output member will also abut a portion of the cover member andindeed, an annular track 50 may be provided or defined between an outeredge of the radially extending flange of the rod holder and an innersurface of the cover whether these components are provided as 2 separatecomponents or as a single component.

Normally, the preferred electric motor is provided below the surfacerelative to which the rod holder is mounted and the elongate arm extendsupwardly through any flanges or annular members provided to locate theupper portion of the output member adjacent to the radially extendingflange of the rod holding tube. In use, the elongate arm may extendthrough and be guided by one or more openings provided in the componentsof the rod holder.

The manual operation of the rotatable flush mount rod holder ispredominately by the fishing rod butt or stock which is inserted intothe rod holding tube to the gimbal and a twisting motion made foradjustment, or if allowable, reaching under the gunnel and manuallyrotating the tube, also by a twisting motion, to any desired position.The rotatable rod holder may also possibly be adjusted by manuallygripping the top of the rod holding tube or the flange.

A variety of mechanisms may be used to at least temporarily lock therotatable mounted fishing rod holder of the present invention inposition or orientation.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 35 to 38 and 71, an annulargasket 50 is provided relative to a gunwale with an annular baseplate 51located above the gasket 50. A generally annular flange 52 extendstransversely from the rod holding tube 53. A low friction annular guidemember 54 is provided between the generally annular flange 52 and theannular baseplate 51 and a second low friction annular guide member 54is provided between the generally annular flange 52 and an upper coverplate 55. The cover plate 55 has an opening 56 substantially centrallylocated in the cover plate 55 in order to communicate with the rodholding tube 53. In this preferred embodiment, the generally annularflange 52 has a shaped locking detail provided on the circumferentialsurface of the annular flange 52. In the illustrated particularlypreferred embodiment, the locking detail is a scalloped surface havingalternating peaks and valleys extending about the circumferential edgeof the annular flange 52. A locking lever 57 is provided in associationwith the cover plate 55 and which is movable between a locked condition(illustrated in FIG. 37) in which a portion of the locking lever 57engages with the locking detail on the annular flange 52 and an unlockedcondition (illustrated in FIG. 38) in which a portion of the lockinglever 57 is free from the locking detail. The locking lever 57 willtypically be moved manually by an operator in order to release thefishing rod holder for rotation or to lock the position and/orientationof the fishing rod holder as required. The locking lever 57 may bebiased into the locked condition but there may be situations where thelocking lever 57 is moved to the unlocked condition and temporarilymaintained in that position through a latching mechanism (not shown) inorder to allow the locking lever to be held in the unlocked conditionallowing the fishing rod holder to freely rotate until locked by a userby releasing the latching mechanism.

In a further alternative configuration illustrated in FIGS. 39 to 41,the annular flange 52 may be provided with a number of locking openings58 and the cover plate 55 may be threadingly attached relative to thebaseplate 51 in order to change the separation distance between anunderside of the cover plate 55 and the annular flange 52. In thisparticular configuration, an annular guide 59 is provided above theannular flange 52 with a number of locking pins 60 mounted relativethereto. Each of the locking pins 60 is biased into an unlockedcondition by a spring 61 in which the locking pins 60 are free from theopening 58 in the annular flange 52 but when the cover plate 55 isscrewed down towards the annular flange 52, at least a portion of thelocking pins 60 is forced into engagement with at least one of theopenings 58 in the annular flange 52 in order to prevent rotation of theannular flange 52 and thereby prevent rotation of the rod holding tube53. The cover plate 55 may be provided with an enlarged portion 62 inorder to allow a user to more easily lock and unlock the cover plate 62through rotation which will change the separation distance between theunderside of the cover plate 55 and the annular flange 52 to eitherforce the locking pins 60 into the locked condition (as illustrated inFIG. 41) or to allow the pins 60 to be ejected from the at least oneopening 58 in the annular flange 52 by the spring 61 in the unlockedcondition (as illustrated in FIG. 40).

In yet a further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 42 to 45, the coverplate 55 may be threadingly attached relative to the baseplate 51 inorder to change the separation distance between an underside of thecover plate 55 and the annular flange 52 and a spring steel lockingplate 63 is provided between the cover plate 55 and the annular flange52. In this embodiment, the spring steel locking plate 63 may engagedirectly with the annular flange 52 through friction or alternatively,one or more protrusions 64 may be provided on an underside of thelocking plate 63 such that when the locking plate 63 is forced onto theannular flange by tightening the cover plate 55 relative to the annularflange 52, the one or more protrusions 64 are forced into one or morelocking openings or detents 65 provided on a surface of the annularflange 52 in order to lock the rotation (as illustrated in FIG. 44).

In configurations where the cover plate 55 is threadingly attachedrelative to the baseplate 51 in order to change the separation distancebetween an underside of the cover plate 55 and the annular flange 52,normally at least partially threaded upstand is provided relative to thebaseplate, potentially integrated with the baseplate and acorrespondingly at least partially threaded portion is provided on anunderside of the cover plate such that the separation between the coverplate on the annular flange can be changed by tightening or looseningthe cover plate relative to the baseplate.

In an alternative configuration illustrated in FIGS. 46 to 68, theconstruction of the fishing rod holder may be similar to that describedabove but instead of a lever, a depressible button 66 is provided. Inthis embodiment, the button 66 is pivotable about a mounting pin 68 andbiased into the locked condition by a spring 67 (illustrated in detailin FIGS. 58 and 61) in which a number of shaped protrusions 69 engagewith the scalloped locking detail on the annular flange 52 in order totemporarily lock the fishing rod holder against rotation. The button 66is mounted for pivotal movement and, the button 66 can be depressed onone edge in order to raise the opposite edge with the shaped protrusions69 being located on an underside of the button 66 such that depressingone edge of the button 66 also withdraws the shaped protrusions 69 fromthe locking detail allowing the rod holder to rotate (the unlockedcondition, illustrated in detail in FIGS. 65 and 68). In thisconfiguration, the annular flange 52 may have locking openings extendinginto the body of the flange substantially vertically or alternatively asillustrated, the locking detail is provided as one or more scallopedsurfaces having alternating peaks and valleys extending about the atleast a portion of the circumferential edge of the annular flange 52.

Benefits of the present invention include when drifting, anchored ortrolling, rods can be placed in any functional direction. When fishingin an environment affected by wind, current and tide the rod and rodholder can be adjusted to compensate for these effects. In the fishingprocedures of re-rigging, baiting or fish removal, the rod can berotated inwards to the water craft making these procedures an easier andsafer process. When trolling, rods and lines can be separated at variousangles to alleviate the problem of tangling. Another advantage of thisdesign is when underway, all rods can be set in a parallel positionalong the gunnel of the water craft hence solving the problem of rodsand rigs protruding out of the water craft.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each ofthe stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or morefurther integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘anembodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific to structural or methodical features. Itis to be understood that the invention is not limited to specificfeatures shown or described since the means herein described comprisespreferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within theproper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpretedby those skilled in the art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rodholder including: a rod holding tube with an annular flange extendingradially from an upper end thereof; an annular member for abutting of anunderside of the annular flange, and adapted to attach to a surface of awatercraft; and an annular cover member adapted to attach to the surfaceand the annular member over the annular flange to hold the rod holdingtube to the surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relativeto the surface and the annular cover member, wherein the rod holdingtube has an open end for receiving a rod, wherein the annular flange islocated between the annular cover member and the annular member, whereinthe rod holding tube defines a longitudinal axis that is rotatablearound a perpendicular axis of the annular cover member, wherein theannular flange is provided at an angle to the longitudinal axis of therod holding tube defining a rest angle of a fishing rod when placed intothe rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder, and whereby, in use, therod received in the rod holding tube extends beyond a distal end of theannular cover member at all rotatable positions.
 2. A rotatable flushmounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 1 including a laterallyextending pin provided across a lower end of the rod holding tube.
 3. Arotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 1 whereina low friction member is provided between the annular member and theannular flange.
 4. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder asclaimed in claim 1 wherein a low friction member is provided between thecover member and the annular flange.
 5. A rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder as claimed in claim 1 further including a releasablelocking mechanism to at least temporarily lock the rod holding tubeagainst rotation and to be releasable as required to allow rotation ofthe rod holding tube.
 6. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder asclaimed in claim 5 wherein the annular flange has a shaped lockingdetail provided on at least one surface.
 7. A rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder as claimed in claim 5 wherein a locking actuator isprovided in association with the annular cover member and which ismovable between a locked condition in which a portion of the lockingactuator and/or a member associated with the locking actuator and movedby the locking actuator engages with the locking detail on the annularflange and an unlocked condition in which a portion of the lockingactuator and/or a member associated with the locking actuator and movedby the locking actuator is free from the locking detail.
 8. A rotatableflush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 7 wherein thelocking actuator is biased into the locked condition.
 9. A rotatableflush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 7 wherein thelocking actuator moves about a substantially horizontal axis.
 10. Arotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 7 whereinthe locking actuator moves about a substantially vertical axis.
 11. Arotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 7 whereina latching mechanism is provided to temporarily maintain the lockingactuator in the unlocked condition.
 12. A rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder as claimed in claim 6 wherein the locking detailincludes one or more locking openings extending into the annular flangetypically substantially vertically.
 13. A rotatable flush mountedfishing rod holder as claimed in claim 6 wherein the shaped lockingdetail is provided on a circumferential surface of the annular flange.14. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 13wherein the shaped locking detail is a scalloped surface havingalternating peaks and valleys extending at least partially about an edgeof the annular flange.
 15. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holderas claimed in claim 1 wherein the annular cover member is threadinglyattached relative to the annular member in order to change theseparation distance between an underside of the annular cover member andthe annular flange.
 16. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder asclaimed in claim 15 wherein an annular guide is provided above theannular flange with at least one locking pin mounted relative thereto,each locking pin biased into an unlocked condition in which the lockingpin is free from the shaped locking detail in the annular flange butwhen the annular cover member is screwed down towards the annularflange, at least a portion of at least one locking pin is forced intoengagement with shaped locking detail in the annular flange in order toprevent rotation of the annular flange and thereby prevent rotation ofthe rod holding tube.
 17. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holderas claimed in claim 15 wherein the annular cover member is provided withan enlarged portion in order to allow a user to more easily lock andunlock the annular cover member through rotation which will change theseparation distance between the underside of the annular cover memberand the annular flange.
 18. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holderas claimed in claim 15 wherein the annular cover member is threadinglyattached relative to a baseplate in order to change the separationdistance between an underside of the annular cover member and theannular flange and a spring steel locking plate is provided such thatwhen the annular cover member is screwed down towards the annularflange, a portion of the spring steel locking plate abuts the annularflange preventing rotation of the annular flange.
 19. A rotatable flushmounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 15 wherein an at leastpartially threaded upstand is provided relative to the annular member,and a correspondingly at least partially threaded portion is provided onan underside of the annular cover member such that the separationbetween the annular cover member on the annular flange can be changed bytightening or loosening the annular cover member relative to the annularmember.
 20. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder as claimed inclaim 1 wherein movement of the rod holding tube is motorised throughengagement of a motor with the annular flange.
 21. A rotatable flushmounted fishing rod holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface ofthe watercraft is a gunwale.
 22. A rotatable flush mounted fishing rodholder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the annular member comprises oneor more apertures for receiving one or more respective receivingassemblies, and wherein the annular cover member comprises the one ormore respective receiving assemblies.